Specifically, the Academy’s Board of Governors approved a plan that will allow members to see the nominated documentary shorts and foreign language films either at a theatrical screening or on DVD. Prior to the final round of voting, the Academy will provide members with DVDs of the nominated films in five categories: foreign-language film, feature documentary, documentary short subject, animated short and live-action short.

In previous years, members had been required to see the nominated films in certain categories in a theater in order to vote.

“This change continues our efforts to expand our members’ participation in all aspects of the Academy’s activities including, of course, voting for the Oscars,” said Koch. “Building on this past season’s 90% record voter turnout, we want to give our members as many opportunities as possible to see these great films and vote in these categories next year.”

Next year’s Oscars will take place March 2. The nomination processes for all categories remain unchanged.